Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran open-faced purple corn pupusas with refried black beans, pineapple slaw, and roasted guaque pepper sauce
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: thick purple corn griddle cakes served open-faced with a layer of refried black beans, fresh cabbage-pineapple slaw, and a roasted guaque pepper sauce. It is a vegetarian, colorful dish with smoky, tangy, and lightly sweet contrast.
Ingredients
- 240 g purple corn masa flour (for the base)
- 360 ml warm water (approx., for the dough)
- 6 g salt (divided entre dough, frijoles and curtido)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided for frijoles and cocción)
- 300 g cooked black beans (escurridos)
- 120 g white onion (mitad diced small, mitad sliced finas)
- 9 g garlic (chopped)
- 180 g green cabbage (finely grated)
- 120 g fresh pineapple (en cubitos small)
- 70 g carrot (grated)
- 45 ml apple cider vinegar (for the curtido)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the curtido)
- 12 g dried guaque pepper (without semillas)
- 220 g tomato (for roasting)
- 15 ml lime juice (for the sauce)
- 8 g grated panela (for balancear the sauce)
- 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the green cabbage, grated carrot, fresh pineapple, half of the white onion sliced thinly, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, and 2 g (1/3 tsp) of salt. Mix well, gently press with clean hands, and let it rest for 20 minutes so the slaw can pickle lightly.
- 2
2. Place the dried guaque peppers in a bowl with hot water and soak for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, roast the tomatoes on a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat until charred in spots and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- 3
3. Blend the roasted tomatoes with the soaked and drained guaque peppers, lime juice, grated panela, 30 ml (2 tbsp) water, 2 g (1/3 tsp) salt, and half of the chopped garlic. Cook this sauce in a small saucepan with 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
- 4
4. For the beans, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and the remaining chopped garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the cooked black beans and 60 ml (1/4 cup) water. Mash and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until thick and refried. Season with 1 g (1/6 tsp) salt.
- 5
5. In a large bowl, mix the purple corn masa flour with 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Gradually add the warm water and knead until you have a soft, moist dough that does not crack. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into thick discs about 9 cm (3 1/2 inches) wide.
- 6
6. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat, about 375°F and 190°C on the cooking surface. Lightly grease with 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil. Cook the purple corn discs for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through, firm, and marked with golden-brown spots.
- 7
7. To serve, place one hot purple corn base on each plate. Spread a layer of refried black beans on top, then add a portion of the drained pineapple slaw and finish with spoonfuls of roasted guaque pepper sauce.
- 8
8. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over each open-faced pupusa and serve immediately while the base is still warm and the slaw remains crisp.
Chef tips
If the dough cracks, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of warm water. For a smokier flavor, roast a few pieces of onion and blend them into the sauce.
Substitutions
You can use cooked red beans instead of black beans. If guaque pepper is unavailable, use a mild pasilla-style dried pepper or another moderately hot dried chile. Panela can be replaced with brown sugar.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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